Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus 2020 — Specifications

When you're torn between the Tourer version and the top of the range on a Japanese sport-touring bike, it often comes down to details. The Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus plays precisely that card: the small extra that tips the equipment from "decent" to "ready for the road." On paper, you get the solid foundation of the Versys 650, that 649 cc parallel twin delivering 69 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 63.7 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Nothing volcanic, but enough power to devour national roads and merge onto the highway without straining. The real story here is what Kawasaki decided to graft onto the Tourer version to justify the "Plus" badge and the 9,249-euro price tag.

The package includes a pair of 28-liter side cases each, locked with a single-key system, handguards, auxiliary lights, and a gear position indicator on the dashboard. On the road, the fog lights are a game-changer as soon as the light fades, and the gear indicator eliminates guesswork in sixth on long rides. These are subtle additions, but they reflect genuine thought about touring use. However, the absence of a tall windscreen in the package is disappointing. For a motorcycle aimed at long-distance riders, it's a hard omission to understand. Wind remains a persistent companion beyond 130 km/h, and you'll have to order one separately to get rid of it.

On the chassis side, the Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus 2019 retains its diamond-type tubular steel frame, its 41 mm inverted fork with 150 mm of travel, and its rear mono-shock offering 145 mm. The setup handles rough roads adequately without claiming to rival a true adventure bike. The 217 kg wet weight makes itself felt during low-speed maneuvers, but the well-placed center of gravity partly compensates. The seat perched at 840 mm will rule out shorter riders, unless the foam is reworked. The 21-liter tank allows comfortable range, enough to space out fuel stops over a 300-kilometer journey.

Braking relies on two 300 mm front discs gripped by two-piston calipers and a 250 mm rear disc. It's honest without being aggressive. Up against a Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT or a Yamaha Tracer 7, the Versys holds its own on paper but doesn't dominate either. Its strength lies more in its versatility and the smoothness of its engine, which accepts low revs without complaint and climbs through the rev range with reassuring linearity. The six-speed gearbox shifts without a hitch, and the chain does its job without fuss.

The Kawasaki Versys 650 Tourer Plus price remains competitive against rivals equipped from the factory, especially if you add up the cost of accessories purchased separately on a base model. For the rider looking for an accessible tourer, capable of stringing together long weekends with minimal preparation, this version ticks the right boxes. It won't make committed adventurers or raw-thrill seekers dream, but it fulfills its contract as a do-it-all motorcycle with proven reliability. It's just missing that windscreen and perhaps a touch of character to seal the deal.